2026 BMW F900 GS Review: The Best Off-Road GS Bike Ever?

The BMW F900 GS is a new off-road-biased ADV motorcycle that comes in like a storm in the world of adventure bikes. Compared to its previous models, this bike is now lighter, faster, and sharper. It is a successor to a long series of great BMW GS bikes, but this version is new and is ready to take on the real challenges. Many of us want to know whether it is the best off-road GS bike ever produced by BMW, as seen in many of this bike’s reviews.

We will have a deep look at it in this in-depth article. Keep on reading this article to learn about the engine, performance, handling, and detailed specs of the new 2026 BMW F900 GS.

The 2026 BMW F900 GS is powered by a parallel-twin engine with a displacement of 895 cc. It produces a powerful 105 hp at 8,500 rpm. This is a substantial leap over the previous F850 GS, which was capable of producing 95 hp.

The 895 cc inline-twin engine also delivers 93 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm. What is so good about the F900 GS’s power delivery is the way it diffuses in the rev range.

BMW adjusted the motor to provide more torque at lower speeds and at the mid-range. You are feeling it when you twist the throttle. The bike accelerates quickly even in high gears.

The 895 cc twin-cylinder engine is based on an 86 mm slightly larger bore. New forged pistons are also employed by BMW, and the compression ratio is bumped to 13.1:1. The result? Stronger power, yet no excess weight.

The stock Akrapovič sport silencer is also installed, which sounds sharp, and it also ensures a top-end look. The smoothness and liveliness of this motor are unbelievable to many riders, even at low speeds on rough ground. During the real-world riding tests, the BMW F900 GS’s motor is perceived as a bigger bike’s engine than a motor from a mid-size machine.

The 2026 BMW F900 GS is only 482 lbs (218.6 kg) wet and fully fueled. It weighs 14 kg less than the former F850 GS. This weight loss is due to the new plastic fuel tank and light subframe. The entire bike is slender and nimble due to the lightweight bodywork. When you come across a sharp corner on this bike, it takes the curve naturally. The chassis remains rigid even when riding it hard.

The F900 GS’s frame is a steel bridge type and makes things light but rigid. The build quality of this bike appears to be top-notch. BMW spent a lot of time adjusting the weight on this bike. Being a 219 kg mid-size ADV bike, the F900 GS is not a featherweight bike when it comes to off-road standards.

Still, the weight is low due to being adjusted low and centered. Riders who have tried this bike claim it to be very playful and easy to navigate within the city. It easily takes tight corners and makes it look fun.

The 2026 F900 GS also has a sharper steering geometry and a reduced subframe. This causes it to turn quicker than usual. When you pass through a narrow path or zip through busy streets, the bike feels much sharper and easier to maneuver. The F900 GS is nimble enough to make this bike go wherever you direct it to. Overall, the whole package is what makes it truly a nimble bike.

Many riders will be shocked by how this bike takes corners. The F900 GS has a lean angle of almost 58 degrees thanks to the exceptional grip provided by the tires. This makes it a true road bike. The exceptional cornering ability is achieved due to its quality-built frame, wheels, and geometry, which work hard to achieve this.

The 43 mm upside-down front fork has spring preload adjustability, and towards the rear, riders have spring preload, a hydraulically adjustable rear shock, providing 8.46 in of wheel travel. Together, both suspension systems offer a great deal of cornering and maneuvering abilities to riders.

The chassis seems ready and stable on smooth paved roads. The bike tends to plant itself in bends, even with the wire-spoke rims and off-road-biased tires. The steering is neutral and can make quick turns and moves.
Some of the bike reviewers genuinely felt surprised that this high-rise adventure motorcycle can corner this hard. You feel so much through the bars on the road, which makes the BMW F900 GS so active and lively. It is like you know what the front tire is doing.

The tires installed on the BMW F900 GS play a crucial role in both handling and cornering. The stock tires are good for off-roading. They work decently on paved roads. However, those looking for perfect road grip on sharp bends may require road-biased tires. For a bike that is meant to be ridden off-road, the cornering ability is quite amazing.

The stopping power comes from two 305 mm discs in the front and a 265 mm rear disc. The front wheel is equipped with two piston calipers, and the rear wheel is taken care of by one piston caliper. This arrangement is more than enough to decelerate and stop this bike at a rapid pace. The brakes are linear and smooth, and come with a great initial bite.

The striking element of the F900 GS’s braking system is its ABS Pro unit. This is not the basic ABS. The system has cornering ABS, and that implies that it can still assist even when you are leaning to take a corner or during hard braking.

The Enduro mode allows riders to turn off the ABS to ensure a better feel and fun while off-roading. This lets you slide more and ride like a pro on dirt tracks.

The ergonomics of the 2026 F900 GS are designed to suit dirt riding. The old BMW F850 has raised bars and low pegs in comparison to the latest F900 GS. This provides you with plenty of space for riders to keep riding while sitting and standing up on the pegs when required. The clutch and brake lever are also in a high position, making them easy to engage while standing on the pegs. This is a detailed work that is executed best by big brands like BMW.

The 2026 BMW F900 GS has a stock seat height of 34.2 inches. Riders can also opt for the OE seat lowering option to make it 32 inches. If you want a higher seat for enduro performance, you can opt for the OE rally seat, which will make the bike have a taller seat height of 35 inches. With the OE lowering seat kit, this bike can be made accessible to shorter riders. The gas tank feels as if it has been narrowed down, and the bike also feels skinnier between the legs while riding. 

The relatively slimmer belly of the F900 GS turns out to be very useful when overcoming obstacles and rocky terrain while off-roading. The F900 GS offers better control even in challenging riding situations.

The handlebars on the 2026 F900 GS are in the right position. They are extended enough not to cause strain on riders’ arms. The ergos are good and comfortable if you are in the mood to ride the bike around town. The bike is there to take you to dirt trails whenever you are ready. It seems like everything installed on this bike is fitted in the right place and order.

The BMW F900 GS offers a good level of comfort for solo long journeys if you prefer to stay on paved roads. The seat is firm, which is why it is easy to stand on the pegs and move around in most riding conditions. However, this firm seat will start to become painful after four to five hours of riding on roads. Comfort on the F900 GS goes up a notch when you include a padded seat cover or upgrade the seat.

The windscreen on the BMW F900 GS is enough for a bike like this. It does its job pretty decently. The stock windscreen is not adjustable. However, BMW has a taller Dakar screen version available in the optional accessories if you want better wind protection.

The real-world test of the 2026 BMW F900 GS reveals that the comfort and ergos are best suited for mixed riding on both off- and on-road. You can spend a couple of hours on tarmac, and then a couple of hours on gravel and dirt roads, and the comfort will feel just fine. 

The suspension on the F900 GS also works in a gentle manner. It absorbs bumps without shaking the rider on the saddle. The bike doesn’t throw you off in case you hit sharp rocks and bumps. It stays stable and firm, depending on your off-road riding skills.

On long tours on the F900 GS, you can have improved comfort only with the more cushioned seat. However, the stock firm seat works well if you spend most of the time on trail riding.

The new and bold appearance of the F900 GS is a level up from the previous F850 GS model. This bike features a pure ADV motorbike design with a rally-style touch. The gas tank gets smaller to the point that your legs get hold of the bike more effectively. The side plates are also flat and boldly marked BMEW GS. The tail tapers are snug, and there is little room to carry the pillion rider. The overall vibe of the F900 GS is mean and modern.

The 2026 BMW F900 GS is available in three different color schemes:

• Blackstorm Metallic:

This paint job almost turns the whole bike darker, with only a few chrome parts working.

• Passion:

The Passion paint job is the most stand-out option as it includes the São Paulo Yellow with graphics in red. Meanwhile, the rear frame is colored in red, ensuring a vibrant touch. You will notice the F900 GS from miles away thanks to the São Paulo Yellow paint job.

• GS Trophy:

This is the same iconic BMW trademark paint job option with a combination of blue, white, and red.

Overall, the build quality is top-notch. There are no welds or joints that seem tidy. The parts also seem very durable. Nothing on the F900 GS shakes or seems inexpensive.

The BMW F900 GS’s fuel tank is made of plastic and weighs 622% less than the steel tank, but it appears equally bold and classy. The Akrapovič exhaust is one of its signature touches that brings a great class and crisp sound. Front and back LED lights on this bike create a sharp silhouette while riding in the dark.

The fit and finish on the BMW F900 GS looks great. The decals are in the right place. The paint is also top-notch. The plastic parts don’t compromise on quality. Even minor details, such as shifter pegs and brake lever, appear high-end. The decades of motorcycle products by BMW can be seen in even the smallest details.

In the US, the starting price of the 2026 F900 GS is $14,275. With the Enduro Pro gear that comes with the superior suspension, bew bars, and expert ride modes added, the cost will increase to more than $17,600.

The engine has the power to match most of the bigger bikes. The tech suite is world-class. The looks turn heads. With the F900 GS, you end up with a machine that is actually fast in town and highly maneuverable on winding roads and off-road terrains.

Compare the 2026 F900 GS with the other mid-weight ADV bikes, such as the Honda Africa Twin or the KTM 890 Adventure. The BMW F900 GS is nearly similar in price, but it produces more horsepower, and it has a more aggressive appearance. The GS badge, which means a lot in the riding world, is also there. Riders are well aware of what a GS is and what it is capable of.

On top of all that, the aftermarket parts are readily available. The resale is also good, considering BMW makes it.

The main question that arises here is who is supposed to get the 2026 F900 GS? The bike is appropriate for those riders who desire to have a real-time off-road bike but not necessarily a pure dirt bike. The suspension on this bike is less capable for extreme off-roading, especially if you are a heavy rider.

Being a very nimble bike, the F900 GS will be highly appreciated by city riders, too. It fits in narrow places and zips through busy roads easily. It is a decently powerful mid-size ADV bike that is lightweight, too. So, that is a good advantage there for most riders.

The mid-range torque and smooth motor will be appreciated by those who love to go long miles on road trips. The bars are suitable when it comes to holding for hours.

The off-road enthusiasts with a good level of dirt riding skills will feel at home with the BMW F900 GS. The low weight comes in handy while off-roading. What about the weekend warriors? The F900 GS is also perfect for them. A few additions of bags, and this bike will be tour-ready.